Mold Remediation

Presence of mold in the home has become a serious concern in today’s environment. Mold is a naturally occurring life form that has been around longer than humans and typically flourishes in the outdoors. Unfortunately, when a mold colony establishes in your home, the affects can cause serious concern. Depending on size and condition of the growth, ventilation, exposure time, and the individual’s sensitivity, contact with mold may cause respiratory problems or worsen existing health conditions. As a regenerative and defensive action, mold releases spores into the air that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Due to the nature of this process, removal of spores requires very detailed and specialized equipment to be successful.

Visible mold is best described as a symptom of another serious problem….water or moisture intrusion. When high moisture levels are present, mold will thrive. Mold is a life form very similar to us and requires three simple things to sustain its self; water, temperature conducive to specific types, and food sources such as cellulose materials.

These conditions need to be repaired and impacted areas immediately dried.ARG

If only one of these items is removed, mold cannot survive. Unfortunately, our homes are primarily made of cellulose materials, a great food source that we cannot remove. And, our individual comfort range is greatly appreciated by most mold types. The only factor we can control is water (moisture) in our homes. We should have our indoor relative humidity above 25%. Mold can draw necessary moisture from the air at 60% and above. Although varying to our individual comfort level, most experts agree an optimum moisture level should be approximately 50% to avoid mold growth. Building materials, such as gypsum, wood, etc., should contain no more than 15% moisture. Under normal conditions, i.e., climate control, good ventilation, and normal home maintenance, moisture ranges are generally acceptable. When significant water intrusion occurs, such as ruptured pipes or unnoticed leaks, an optimum environment for mold growth is allowed. These conditions need to be repaired and impacted areas immediately dried. This will prevent or limit mold growth. Basic home maintenance to prevent excessive moisture include; positive drainage from the home’s exterior, clean/flowing roof gutters, checking sump pumps for optimum operation, open and free dryer vents, sealed windows, and proper operation of your heating/cooling systems, just to name a few.

we have the resources to provide you with a practical and cost effective approach to your situation.ARG

If you have visible growth or suspect a mold problem is beginning, we are happy to discuss your individual problem and determine the best solution. From detailed cleaning to major demolition, we conduct our services as to minimize disruption to your daily life. Our technicians understand this is your home and carry out their work in a respectable and detailed manner. Whether large or small, we have the resources to provide you with a practical and cost effective approach to your situation.

Mold Facts

Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Molds produce allergens, irritants, and some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. For anything larger than 10 square feet you should consult with a professional mold remediation contractor.